FILE- In an undated photo provided by the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan, Dr. Robert E. Anderson is shown. The president of the University of Michigan has apologized to "anyone who was harmed" by Anderson, a late doctor after several former students said he molested them during medical exams at the school. One man said Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, that Dr. Anderson molested him during a medical exam in 1968 or 1969. Police started investigating the onetime director of the University Health Service and physician for the football team in July 2018 after a former student athlete alleged abuse by Anderson in the 1970s. Anderson died in 2008. (Robert Kalmbach/Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan via AP)

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor Public Schools is investigating what connection former University of Michigan doctor Robert E. Anderson may have had with the district during his time in the college town.

Over the past couple of weeks, scores of U-M alumni have reported sexual abuse at the hands of the now-deceased Anderson. He was U-M’s athletic doctor and treated athletes and students during his tenure from 1968 to 2003.

Former patients of Anderson’s have come forward with allegations that the doctor performed unnecessary exams during appointments, including rectal and genital exams.

Now, Ann Arbor Public Schools is investigating a possible relationship the district may have shared with Anderson after The Detroit News reported claims that Anderson performed child physicals. Flint Community Schools is investigating similar claims and has encouraged victims to come forward.

In a statement, Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift said the district is actively investigating the matter:

In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, student safety remains our top priority and all matters of student safety are taken very seriously. This is the first time we have heard this information and at this time we are investigating to see what connection, if any, Dr. Anderson may have had with the district. As always, the Ann Arbor Public Schools will cooperate fully with law enforcement in any investigation. Any further statements would be speculative, and so at this point, we will not comment further.

Former student, wrestler and basketball player at Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor, Joe Neely, said he was examined inappropriately by Anderson more than 50 years ago while in seventh grade.

“He examined us all and seemed to spend too much time and take delight in examining us for undescended testicles," Neely told The Detroit News. “We talked about it, and we all had the same experience and felt it was inappropriate. He took too much pleasure in his work.”

On Thursday, attorneys representing more than a dozen of Anderson’s victims held a press conference at a hotel in Southfield.

About the Author:

Meredith has worked for WDIV since August 2017 and was voted one of Washtenaw County's best journalists in 2019 by eCurrent's readers.
She covers the community of Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in International Broadcast Journalism from City University London, UK.